Policy Steward:

Contents:

PURPOSE:

To set forth the University's policy regarding the procurement and use of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

SCOPE AND AUTHORITY:

This policy applies to all property owned or leased by the University.

BACKGROUND:

The University supports initiatives that promote environmentally-focused and sustainable transportation, including the use of electric vehicles. However, because only 3% of electricity in Pennsylvania is currently considered renewable1, charging of electric vehicles must be offset by an equivalent renewable energy source to be considered a sustainable alternative transportation practice.

Several EV stations have been established on campus by the Office of Physical Plant (OPP) for use by their department vehicles only. The stations were purchased by OPP and the electricity used by these stations is offset by renewable energy sources also established by OPP on campus.

The University does not distribute or sell any form of vehicle fuel for public consumption. Pennsylvania law also prohibits the direct sale of electricity by anyone other than a licensed electricity provider.

POLICY:

If a University organization, employee, or student wishes to establish an EV charging station on campus, a proposal must be submitted to the Electric Vehicle Committee. The proposal should address the following criteria:

Documentation showing that 100% of funding is provided by the department, organization, private donation, or evidence of a supporting business model.

Documentation demonstrating that 100% of the electricity used would be offset or generated by a sustainable campus energy source.

Charging circuit metering. Which should ensure that each EV charging station is individually metered, and connected to the Facility Automation System (FAS) system.

Compliance with existing University parking regulations and land use aesthetics.

If a University department or organization wishes to purchase a fully electric vehicle (this includes gas/plug-in hybrid) or Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV), which will be charged on campus, a proposal must be submitted to the Electric Vehicle Committee. The proposal should address the following criteria:

Appropriate parking/charging location of the vehicle is identified in collaboration with the Parking Office.

Documentation showing that 100% of funding is provided by the department, organization, private donation, or evidence of a supporting business model.

Documentation demonstrating that 100% of the electricity used would be offset or generated by a sustainable campus energy source, or the user will be charged a modified electrical rate to facilitate renewable infrastructure.

Acquisition of the vehicle must follow University Policy BS18.

Any existing EV charging stations or vehicles, purchased prior to the implementation of this policy and its associated edits, will be reviewed by the Electric Vehicle Committee for adherence to the policy.

* This should be determined collaboratively between the sponsor and Electric Vehicle Committee.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE COMMITTEE:

An Electric Vehicle Committee will be established to review EV charging station proposals. This committee will also conduct annual reviews of EV policy and the local demand for electric vehicles.

Any EV charging stations established on campus, or requests for purchase of a fully electric vehicle (this includes gas/plug-in hybrid) or NEV, will be reviewed by the Electric Vehicle Committee and will be required to meet the criteria established by this policy.

The Electric Vehicle Committee will be comprised of individuals from the following University organizations:

Transportation Services

Office of Physical Plant

Student representative from the University Park Student Transportation Commission

The Electric Vehicle Committee will be tasked with the following:

Annual review of the EV charging station policy.

Annual review of local demand for electric vehicle charging on campus by faculty, staff, students, and service providers/contractors.

As-needed: review of EV charging station proposals.

Unanimous approval by the Electric Vehicle Committee will be required for approval of any EV charging stations or purchase of a fully electric vehicle (this includes gas/plug-in hybrid) or Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV).

FURTHER INFORMATION:

For questions, additional detail, or to request changes to this policy, please contact the Office of the Associate Vice President, Auxiliary & Business Services.

May 4, 2017 - Per the Electric Vehicle Committee, this policy has been updated to improve the rules on the type of charging stations allowed on campus, and to include Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) as another type of vehicle regulated by this policy.